Founder’s Day at The Bhavan was a very special experience for performers and audience alike. It was uplifting to see the quality and confidence of the students on stage presenting their varied art forms from Bengali music, Sitar and Tabla tableau, Flute whisperings, Mridangam interplays, Violin melodies; the rhythms, and intricacies of Odissi, Kuchipudi, Kathak, and Bharatanatyam; and the beauty of languages and poetry in Sanskrit, Hindi, and Bengali.

At this event, 68 students received their Diploma (Grade 5) and Post Diploma (Grade 8) certificates; showing their progress from beginners to this accomplished level taught by the committed and longstanding teachers of The Bhavan. It is a truly remarkable achievement for the past 50 years, that every year there is this turnover of newly educated British youth. They truly bring the culture of ancient India alive in the old Church building which was visited by Gandhi ji during his legal studies in London in the late 1880’s. These students act as the bridge between The UK and India for the next generation. They open the door to the wealth of insight that the Indian performing arts bring through its beauty storytelling and values of respect and education. The Bhavan alumni bring their confidence and artistry to the UK with pride and fortitude.

Our Chief Guest for the first day was Mr Deepak Choudhary, Minister (Coordination), High Commission of India, London.

On the second day Ms Aparna Nathan KC, Barrister and Senior Tax Lawyer, and member of The Bhavan’s Education Committee graced us as our Chief Guest.

We were also honoured to have the presence of Mithila Sharma from Arts Council England with us.

The event has been a great beginning for the year and has set the tone for what’s to come. We thank our students, parents, and our audience for supporting us as always.

- Candida Connolly